Friday Aura
Best discount code for this paddle: Use code KITCHEN for $10 off
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
- Price
- $129.00
Our take on the Aura Elongated
The Aura is probably the softest feeling foam paddle we have played with to this point, which fills a need in a market dominated by stiff and overly powerful foam paddles. It was a refreshing change of pace — it’s easy to move through the ball confidently without fear of popping it up too high and we had total control over where we were placing the ball.
Check out our full review of the Aura and Aura Pro here.
Is the Aura Elongated worth $129?
Yes, if control is your game. At $129 it sits in the low price range, and it is probably the softest-feeling foam paddle we have played, a welcome break from the stiff, overpowered foam that dominates the market.
Who should buy the Aura Elongated?
Control players with a patient, defensive style who would rather place the ball than overpower it. Dinks and third-shot drops feel almost automatic, and it suits anyone who can generate their own pace. If you rely on the paddle for pop, look at the Aura Pro instead.
Buy it if
- You win points with placement over power
- You want a very soft foam paddle
- You play a grindy, defensive style
- You generate your own power
Skip it if
- You want to win hands battles on pop
- You want big power on drives and overheads
- You like letting the paddle do the work
- You need a UPA-A approved paddle
How does the Aura Elongated play?
Rubber inserts and cartilage foam in the throat make it plush, and it still has decent plow-through on big swings. Resets need an adjustment period because it is so soft, so you have to push the ball where you want it to go. The elongated 16mm frame carries a 118 swing weight.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Aura Elongated?
Its biggest edge is a soft, controllable feel in a stiff foam category. The main cost is little help in hands battles or on big swings.
Strengths
- Very soft feel for a foam paddle
- Confidence on dinks and third-shot drops
- Decent plow-through on big swings
- Low price for a modern foam paddle
Trade-offs
- Little pop in hands battles
- Lower power on drives and overheads
- Resets need an adjustment period
Closest match we’ve tested
Friday Aura vs 11SIX24 Jelly Bean 2 Series
Same elongated shape, same 16mm Gen 4 core and nearly the same power.
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
More specs
- Paddle Type
- All Court
- Static Weight
- 8.1 oz
- Swing Weight
- 118
- Twist Weight
- 5.8
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- USAP
$10 off with code KITCHEN
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 4
More specs
- Paddle Type
- All Court
- Static Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 116
- Twist Weight
- 6.1
- Handle Length
- Long
- Certification
- UPA-A
$10 off with code KITCHEN
$10 off with KITCHEN
$10 off with KITCHEN
Not sure yet? Compare the Friday Aura against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
Questions people ask about the Aura Elongated
Is the Friday Aura a power paddle or a control paddle?
It's a control paddle. Rubber inserts and cartilage foam in the throat make it probably the softest foam paddle we've played, though it still has decent plow-through on big swings.
Is the Friday Aura good for control players?
Yes. It feels like it'll never miss a dink or third-shot drop, making it great for grindy, defensive players who win with placement over power.
Is the Friday Aura worth $129?
Yes, for the right player. It fills a gap in a market of stiff, overpowered foam paddles, though it takes time to adjust to pushing the ball yourself.
Is the Friday Aura USAP approved?
Yes, it's USA Pickleball approved.
Does the Friday Aura have good pop for hands battles?
Not really. It won't put you ahead in hands battles against most modern paddles, so it's best for players who generate their own power.
What are some Friday Aura alternatives?
How we test every paddle
Why trust our ratings? Every paddle is played by Team Kitchen, our team of expert paddle reviewers, and measured on the same scale before we rate it.
- Expert reviewers. All 5.0+ players, testing alongside other high-level players in their area.
- Hours of drills and games. Every kind of shot, in real points, to see how a paddle plays in a match and not just on paper.
- Measured on the same scale. Power, spin, swing weight and twist weight for every paddle, so any two compare fairly. The Aura Elongated measured power 76, spin 79, swing weight 118 and twist weight 5.8.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.